A Travel Price Comparison for France Dijon vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dijon

Dijon is a historical, cultural, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Dijon is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dijon travel costs.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. You'll find world class beauty in Mont-Saint-Michel as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums. See Mont-Saint-Michel travel costs.

Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dijon. Although Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Dijon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dijon is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Dijon and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Ducal Palace.

How is Dijon different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Dijon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Many visitors head to Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.


Is the Food Better in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dijon is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dijon is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Dijon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile (6.5k) out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dijon is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dijon offers some nice shopping areas. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel More Beautiful?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mont-Saint-Michel as well. It's a beautiful but touristy destination on a tidal island in Normandy. The highlight is the dramatic abbey that has attracted tourists and visitors for centuries.

Dijon is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's filled with history and architecture.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dijon is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dijon. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.


Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for romance. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Both Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dijon is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Dijon is popular with students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.


Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Both Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel offer nice public transit options.

Dijon has a few public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Dijon
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Mont-Saint-Michel on foot. Not only is the walk through the town and castle stunning, there are also many beautiful walks in the natural areas nearby.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Dijon Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dijon than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Dijon than Mont-Saint-Michel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dijon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Dijon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mont-Saint-Michel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dijon than Mont-Saint-Michel if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dijon.


  • How many days in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dijon 2-4 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Dijon, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this religious destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Dijon, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Dijon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dijon is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Dijon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dijon Prices
    France Prices
    Mont-Saint-Michel Prices
    France Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dijon 188
    Mont-Saint-Michel 156

The average daily cost (per person) in Dijon is €188, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dijon 80
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dijon 160
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dijon


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dijon Hotel Prices and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dijon 36
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $434

Is it cheaper to fly into Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dijon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dijon 84
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dijon 25
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Dijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:

  • Delivery Through Time Quest Experience in Dijon: $7.17
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.61
  • More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon: $9.99
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Dijon City Tour by Bike: $61
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $61
  • Enjoy a photo tour with a professional photographer: $65
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $72
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $98
  • Small-Group Full-Day Tour of Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune Vineyards and Beaune Historical District: $147
  • Dijon private guided tour with a professional tour guide !: $166
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $179

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour of Mont Saint-Michele island (no ticket): $5.56
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Entrance ticket to the Normandy Victory Museum: $11
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Quicksand Experience Mont Saint Michel: $13
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $19
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Skip-the-Line Ticket Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Audio-Visual Tour: $43
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • 2 Hour Guided Tour of Mont Saint Michel: $61
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $199
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Mont Saint Michel: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dijon 29
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • Wine Tasting 5 wines "L'a Complète": $38
  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $39
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $39
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $49
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $60
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $96


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. And not only is Mont-Saint-Michel much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mont-Saint-Michel would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mont-Saint-Michel and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon than you might in Mont-Saint-Michel.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dijon Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 1870 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Mont-Saint-Michel. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dijon is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Dijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dijon usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dijon usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dijon 21°C (70°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dijon is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mont-Saint-Michel. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dijon 13°C (55°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Dijon is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dijon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dijon 3°C (38°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dijon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dijon is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dijon 11°C (53°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Dijon

Dijon Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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